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Parks, waterfronts, climate work, trees, open space, and environmental protections.
Commission members will discuss the preparation of the Parks Department’s annual report that will be submitted to the County Board of Supervisors. No formal vote is planned.
Staff recommends updates to the picnic rental policy, including reformatting, new timeframes, additional guidelines, updated contact information, and typographical corrections.
What's happening
Why it matters
Changes affect how residents and non‑residents reserve picnic areas, fees, rules, and insurance requirements, impacting community events.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Jan. 28, 2026 at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Public comment is allowed on agenda items during the meeting; speak up during the designated time.
Decision update
The item “Update to Menlo Park picnic rental policy” passed (5–0–2).
Decided Jan 28, 2026.
Staff report provides an update on the planning of a community fun run scheduled for April 25, 2026, including route, sponsorship efforts, and upcoming subcommittee meetings.
Staff presented three options for the Middle Avenue undercrossing of the Caltrain tracks and asked the council to provide direction. Options include finalizing a shovel‑ready design, phasing the project, or discontinuing it.
What's happening
Why it matters
A safe undercrossing will give pedestrians and cyclists a protected way to cross the tracks, improving mobility and reducing accidents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Watch the study session live on Zoom or in person at City Council Chambers.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Direction on Middle Avenue pedestrian and bicycle rail crossing” was direction provided.
Decided Jan 27, 2026.
The Council will approve a construction contract to Medallion Landscape Maintenance for the Smart Irrigation Infrastructure project. The action is deemed categorically exempt under CEQA guidelines.
What's happening
Why it matters
The project will improve water efficiency for city landscaping and reduce long‑term maintenance costs.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the council meeting in person or via Zoom (ID# 832 1285 7140).
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Award contract for Smart Irrigation Infrastructure” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Jan 27, 2026.
The Board adopted a resolution authorizing a $405,000 contribution to Peninsula Open Space Trust for the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement at the Butano Front Field property.
What's happening
Why it matters
Protects agricultural land from development, preserving open space and local farming heritage.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the Board meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Contribute $405,000 to POST agricultural conservation easement purchase” was approved.
Decided Jan 27, 2026.
Staff presented a briefing on the ongoing solar photovoltaic projects at several city buildings, including the library, city hall, and community centers. The projects are being installed under a 20‑year power purchase agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy.
The commission will consider the appeal regarding the removal of thirteen heritage trees at 68 Willow Rd and decide whether to uphold the staff’s permit approval. The decision will be made during this meeting.
What's happening
Why it matters
Removing the trees could affect neighborhood shade, wildlife habitat, and air quality, and the decision sets precedent for future development impacts on the urban canopy.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Join the meeting in person at City Hall Downtown Conference Room or online via Zoom (ID 879 3070 9093).
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The commission considered two motions on the appeal to remove 13 heritage trees at 68 Willow Rd. Both motions failed, so the staff’s permit approval remains in effect and the appeal is not resolved.
Decided Jan 21, 2026.
Commission members voted to dissolve the Emissions Reductions Impact Study ad hoc subcommittee and create a new Sustainable Cities Project subcommittee with Commissioners Hill, Kissel, and Meyer. The new group will focus on prioritizing high‑impact climate initiatives.
The City Council will receive the annual report summarizing fees collected for transportation, storm drainage, construction, water capacity, recreation, and housing in‑lie fees as of June 30, 2025. The report shows revenue amounts and how fees are used for public improvements.
What's happening
Why it matters
Shows how fee revenues fund infrastructure and affordable housing, affecting taxpayers and developers.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting to hear the report.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council voted 4‑0‑1 to approve the consent calendar that includes the annual report on development impact and in‑lie fees collected through June 30 2025, finalizing its adoption.
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
Staff will provide an update on the progress of the Middle Avenue pedestrian and bicycle rail crossing improvement.
The Board adopted a resolution expressing strong opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and directed the President to submit a comment letter.
What's happening
Why it matters
Opposing offshore drilling helps protect coastal environments and local economies that depend on tourism and fishing.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the Board meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: boardfeedback@smcgov.org
Submit comment: Email written comments by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting, referencing this agenda item.
Decision update
The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution expressing strong opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and directed the President of the Board to submit a comment letter.
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
The Board adopted a resolution authorizing a one‑time grant of up to $30,000 to Casa Circulo Cultural, the fiscal agent for the Center of Creativity. The funds will support high‑quality, accessible arts programming across the county.
What's happening
Why it matters
Accessible arts programs enrich cultural life and provide creative opportunities for all ages.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the Board meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: boardfeedback@smcgov.org
Submit comment: Email written comments by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting, indicating this agenda item.
Decision update
The Board adopted a resolution authorizing a one‑time Measure K grant of up to $30,000 to Casa Circulo Cultural for high‑quality, accessible arts programming and directed the County Executive (or designee) to execute the grant agreement.
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
Residents can submit written comments by email before the meeting or speak during the meeting. Written comments must be emailed at least 24 hours before the meeting and include the agenda item number. Spoken comments are limited to two minutes and must be signed up on a speaker’s slip.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Parks Director to submit an application to nominate part of Sam McDonald County Park for the National Register of Historic Places.
What's happening
Why it matters
Historic designation can protect the site and attract tourism, benefiting local communities.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Zoom link https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/94218900993 or in‑person at 500 County Center, Redwood City.
Email: boardfeedback@smcgov.org
Submit comment: Email written comments by the deadline indicated for the agenda item.
Decision update
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Parks Director to submit an application nominating a portion of Sam McDonald County Park to the National Register of Historic Places and to execute any related documents. This action is final.
Decided Jan 6, 2026.
